Discussion: What Type of Computer do you use for Design?

    Discussion: What Type of Computer do you use for Design?

    on May 3rd 2011 with 76 comments

    Mac ‘vs’ PC, ‘vs’ Linux, ‘vs’ Mobile Device… Is the competition really worth it? In the past, "Computer A is better than Computer B" may have been a fair argument, but with multi platform graphics applications and more power in a mobile phone than a room full of vintage computers, is there really an ideal machine for Graphic Designers? Read on and share your thoughts with the Vectortuts+ community.

    Which is Best?

    Personal computers have been around for a long time, some people even find it difficult to remember life without them. Over this time, Graphic Designers and Illustrators have gone from using them as clunky typewriter replacements, to slick machines that render complex images (not to mention run multiple programs and connect to the internet). So with the average computer far exceeding the power of computers from even a few years ago, is there still a reason to chose one computer type over another?

    Illustration by Sean Kelly

    My Story

    Personally I own both a Mac and a PC, this is for a few reasons. I have a Desktop PC because it’s cheaper and I can pack it full of extras without breaking the bank, add a second monitor with the spare change and run games in my limited time off (also bought with the spare change!). I have a MacBook Pro for freelancing (almost everyone expects a freelance designer to use Mac), so I can use (and love) programs like Billings, Little Snapper and CandyBar and so I can confidently navigate the Mac OS when I’m working "in-house".

    Illustration by Sean Kelly

    If I was to chose the computer that I made better illustrations on, I couldn’t tell you. Aside from some horrible experiences with Windows Vista (I’m now running 7) my PC is just as usable than my Mac, and because I have no need for video or 3D rendering my workflow is just as fast on both machines.

    Poll:

    This is where I’m going to ask for your opinions. What Type of Computer do you use for Design and why? Fill out the poll and leave your thoughts in the comments section below. Let’s get the discussion started and figure out if there really is an ideal machine for modern Graphic Designers.

    Note: The poll has been updated to reflect software rather than hardware with the previous votes remaining the same

     
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    Kate McInnes specializes in Communication Design and Digital Illustration. Based in Melbourne Australia, she is the Associate Editor of Vectortuts+ and one half of the creative duo McKelly. Find her on Twitter as @bittenbypixels and Blood Sweat Vector.  

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    • http://www.m4tik.fr m4tik

      I used a MacPro since 2 years, but this year i switched back to a self build PC workstation with SSD’s, GTX570 CUDA graphic card, 16Go memory and a Intel Quad Core HT processor, USB3 ports for my news external hard drive for the half of the price of a new MacPro and all this in a small factor case juste about the 1/4 the size of a MacPro case. The price drop gave me the opportunity to buy a brand new Vaio Z Laptop for presentations too. With a external small data server since a crash of my data in my MacPro, data loss isn’t a concern anymore.

      As for me, the result is the same, since the workflow in Adobe procuts is just the same. Although i benefit better hardware integration in Windows (CUDA support in Adobe products like Photoshop and Premiere for HD workflow) and freeware and global software choice is better for my needs. The usability in Windows 7 ist great since they integrated much more shortcuts. Since i’m truly not the “design on my desk guy” and i prefer to be efficient in my work and get the extra buck for other things.

    • belal kalash

      mac for design – linux for fun.

      and about windows all difference i see between mac and windows is the workflow. i use ubuntu for web, music and fun and it’s getting new interface which is clearly a copy from the mac osx and i love it.

      in the end the choice of mac or pc it just depends in what you feel comfortable with. like the pre-smart phones age when people preferd sony erricson not nokia or nokia not se.

    • TheKingStampede

      I grew up using PCs but made the switch to Mac in design school. I’ve never looked back. For me it’s a preference. I’m not going to get into a Mac vs PC debate. But most creative departments I’ve worked for use Macs, so it’s just seems natural as a designer to keep using a Mac.

    • Omar

      As most people say, it’s a matter of what suits you or whats most comfortable for you, I grew up with both environment (PC & Mac) but mostly Ive used PC the last 20 years or so. BUT, and there is always a “but” in these hardware versus, the PC is way cheaper in the end and I’m pretty sure that for the price of an iMac with the new Intel CPU you can build and even faster and more powerful PC, that and the ability to actually customize it deeply to your need and easily upgrade.

      Apple has gone snob lately with prices making making it quite difficult to acquire and maintain their products. In my case (Venezuela) buying a iMac of 21′ costs like 4400$ for something that cost 1100$ in the states, because here we have a high rate of speculation.

      So, I’m gonna stick to PCs for a long while.

    • Karl

      I use a PC at home and a Mac at college when I’m working, overall I can say that I prefer the PC – but that’s mainly because of the amount of work I’ve put into customising it. Which, of course, I wouldn’t be able to take as far on a Mac.

      I’ve never been a huge fan of the Mac’s workflow, features like Expose are really nice, but having customised my Windows 7 taskbar to heaven and back, it really doesn’t make a difference in the end. I think the last time I saw any hint of a virus on my PC was at least 6 years ago, and I haven’t used *any* firewalling, spyware protection software since. It seems that point is particularly moot once you reach a stage where you can intuitively weave around the internet without picking up anything infectious at all.

      I don’t like the keyboard or the mouse on the mac, the former has almost no tactile response and the mouse isn’t very ergonomic, but the workstation itself is really nice. Then again they all look the same, and I’m predisposed with the idea of a unique desktop – settling in and making it “your” space is really beneficial for a work atmosphere, I think.

      Macs don’t quite have the power that I need for 3d applications like 3dsmax either, and that is one designer’s niche that Apple haven’t stepped up to yet in terms of hardware. They’re definitely getting there though.

      • Vinuti

        Never had problems using 3D programs on the Mac Have you tried Maya, Cinema 4D, LightWave 3D, Blender, among others … ;)

    • heeseefaida

      Hi !!! Good job!

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